Maxwell a must for Aussies: Anderson

England's most successful fast bowler has said he was left scratching his head when the Australian ODI squad didn't include Glenn Maxwell

Lucy Watkin
27 January 2018

England quick James Anderson has questioned the Australia selectors’ decision to omit the in-form Glenn Maxwell from the Test and ODI squads, calling the allrounder a “must” for the national team.

Maxwell was initially left out of the 14-player squad for the five-match Gillette ODI series against England but was called up as cover for injured opener Aaron Finch for yesterday’s match at Adelaide Oval.

Speaking on Optus Sport’s Stumps program after Australia’s three-wicket win in Adelaide, Anderson said he was surprised when he saw that Maxwell hadn’t been included in the squad.

“I was scratching my head when he wasn’t in the squad at the start of the (ODI) series, and also even the Test series, when he was in fantastic form for Victoria in Shield cricket,” Anderson said.

“For me, playing against Australia, I would fear Australia more if they had Glenn Maxwell in the team.

“If he’s on form as he has shown in the Big Bash with the Stars, and also with that spinning option he provides, the extra bowling option for Steve Smith, I think he’s a must for the team.”

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While Maxwell has been in top form for Melbourne Stars in the KFC BBL having scored three half centuries this season including an explosive 84 off 47 balls against Sydney Sixers, former Australia batsman Mike Hussey said the strong form of allrounders Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis, and Adelaide player of the match Travis Head, will make squeezing the Victorian in the one-day XI a tough task for the selectors.

“I think Australia will be reluctant to make that change and bring Maxwell back in,” Hussey said on Stumps.

“From what I’m reading between the lines they want to send him a bit of a message as well.

“Steve Smith came out and said he needs to train better and improve his training habits.

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“Maybe they’re just getting him back around (the group), get him hungry again and when he does get his opportunity let’s hope he grabs it with both hands.

“I agree with Jimmy, (Maxwell) is a seriously talented player and with him in the as team there would be a lot of opposition players that would have some fear about that.

With Australia looking to defend their World Cup in England next year, Anderson believes Australia’s strongest side must include Maxwell.